Course Syllabus

MUSC 1596 Private Piano I

Course Description

This course provides students with individual piano instruction. Private instruction is required of music majors each semester during college. Music majors receive one-hour lessons each week of the semester. The course is repeatable for credit. This course develops a student's technical, interpretive, sight reading, pedagogical and improvisational skills as well as developing a student's understanding of the history and repertory of the specific instrument/voice. A jury is required at the end of the semester. An additional fee is required.

Justification

As an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Snow College is required to provide competent private instruction for music majors in all vocal and instrumental specialties. Private instruction is required of music majors in four-year music degree programs and must appear on student transcripts. This course offers an excellent opportunity for all Snow College students to develop musicianship and performance skills. Courses of this type are taught at all NASM accredited institutions in Utah.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to maintain consistent practice habits, and keep track of practice hour using a practice journal or log sheet
2. Students will learn repertoire appropriate to their ability and challenge level.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate improved technique skills necessary to perform repertoire that challenges their assessed starting level.
4. Students will perform music from memory for public performance/jury(where appropriate).
5. Students will demonstrate mastery of selected musical literature (appropriate to skill level) from a wide variety of stylistic periods, incorporating appropriate style and expressive artistry.

Course Content

Areas of study and skill development for this course may include:• Practice journal development• Correct body posture including hand, finger and pedal positions• Development of tone, dynamics and articulation• Study of major and minor scales and arpeggios with accurate, consistent fingering• Study of method books and etudes appropriate to student playing level• Study of solo repertoire appropriate for first-year college students and/or the individual level of the student • Instruction in performance practice appropriate to various stylistic periods, genres• Development of performance technique, including memorization techniques, stage deportment and anxiety management